Rejection #19: Blood Marker

I just received the nicest, most thoughtful, most encouraging rejection I’ve ever had from a magazine. Fantasy & Science Fiction liked Blood Marker, especially the setting, but had some issues with the pacing and thought I didn’t always hold their interest, so were going to pass on the story.

This is feedback I can use, feedback that will improve the story. Obviously it would have been nicer if they’d wanted to publish, but this is so much better than just a “we’re passing on this” form. I’m really grateful for the time and effort Charlie Finlay puts in to his submissions process. It’s very much appreciated by writers like me.